Somersets
urgent and emergency health services are continuing to be under
pressure due to the severe weather conditions and are prioritising
their support to the most urgent and seriously ill people.

Residents
in Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Berrow, Brent Knoll and the Huntspills
are being asked not to telephone the 999-ambulance service unless
they or a family member are experiencing a serious, life-threatening
emergency.

It
comes after the Somerset health system declared a major emergency
on Thursday as severe weather and treacherous driving conditions
meant some essential staff from hospital, community health services
and out-of-hours GPs were unable to report to their places of work
or make home visits to patients.

Hospital,
community health, social care and family doctor services are working
in collaboration to ensure patients within the community with the
most urgent health needs are supported.

Dr
Ed Ford, Chairman of Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
"The public can help themselves and their local NHS by thinking
first and not rush to contact urgent or emergency services with
only minor illness or ailments. If you or your family are experiencing
minor illness you are asked to consider self-care as your first
option or wait until your GP Practice can offer you an appointment."

"Do
not attempt to drive to a pharmacy, GP Practice or Minor Injury
Unit unless it is safe to do so. Think first and chose the right
level of help for your medical needs."

Here
are your options should you be affected by minor illness:

Self-care:
Common coughs, colds and sore throats can be treated with over-the-counter
medication like paracetamol and by keeping warm and consuming warm
drinks. Visit the NHS Choices web site for advice and information
on a wide range of aliments and symptoms; www.nhs.uk

Visit a local pharmacist:
If you feeling unwell and need advice visit your pharmacy. Your
local supermarket will usually stock common medication like paracetamol
or cold remedies. You can find your nearest pharmacist by searching
online at: www.nhs.uk or by telephoning NHS 111.

Make an appointment
with your GP Practice
Some GP Practices are also experiencing disruption to service due
to the snow and poor weather conditions. You are advised to telephone
you GP Practice first or check or visit the practice web site.

NHS 111
If you become ill after your GP surgery has closed and need urgent
health advice or dont know what health service you need telephone
NHS 111. The number is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the
year and free to call from mobile or landlines. If you call is not
answered immediately then wait to be answered. The NHS 111 is also
busy during this week's winter weather.

Minor Injury Units:
If you have an urgent need for medical treatment there are seven
Minor Injury Units at community hospitals in Burnham-On-Sea, Bridgwater,
Chard, Frome, Minehead, Shepton Mallet and West Mendip Hospital
near Glastonbury.

Details
of the Minor Injury Units opening hours are available by calling
NHS 111 (the number is free to call from mobiles or your home telephone)
or here.

The 999-ambulance service:
If you or your family are experiencing a life-threatening emergency
(heart attack, stroke, severe loss of blood or unconsciousness)
you should telephone 999 immediate for an ambulance.

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